Reflecting on elections

Wednesday

Nov 14, 2018 at 3:01 AM

Many of us drew some sort of sigh of relief with the passing of last week's midterm elections - either because of the results or because it was simply over - but even as the victors began planning to return to their offices or transition into their new roles, those who went down to defeat were also offering up their feelings on the entire experience, providing a mixture of praise and petulance for the process.

State office seekers, in particular, had a difficult time convincing the electorate to upend the status quo; all four local incumbents seeking re-election to seats in either the state House or Senate carried the night. Those who lost, however, were largely gracious in their defeat, in general celebrating their experiences and pledging that they will continue to do what they can to serve the residents of Cape Cod.

Democrat Paul Cusack, who was unable to unseat state Rep. William Crocker, R-Centerville, called the election “an amazing experience” and suggested that we may yet again see his name on a ballot in the future. “I’m serious about making this area a prosperous, healthier and more equitable place to have a career, raise a family and retire,” he said.

That sentiment was echoed by Republican John Flores, who unsuccessfully sought to unseat state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, in what was arguably the most rancorous and hostile of the local campaigns. Reflecting on his experiences, however, Flores said he thoroughly enjoyed having an opportunity to meet constituents throughout the election cycle, saying, “I’m better for the number of wonderful people I met.”

Not everyone, however, was as gracious in their post-election commentary. Outgoing County Commissioner Leo Cakounes, a Republican, sounded jaded about both the process in general and specifically about the future of the organization he has helped lead during the last few years. He said he felt that this year’s voters generally cast their lot based on party affiliation rather than who was best qualified for the job. He lamented that he was neither a good Republican nor Democrat because of the diversity of his stances on a number of issues.

There is no question that the race was a tight one – only 339 votes out of more than 111,000 cast separated the winner, Democrat Ron Bergstrom of Chatham, from the loser, but even still, Cakounes’ complaint falls a bit flat and suggests that Cape voters are not sophisticated enough to wade through the varying views of the candidates. It is also worth noting that those same voters backed candidates of both political stripes during this election cycle.

Cakounes was even more downbeat about the future of the Barnstable County Commission now that his opponent will replace him, saying of the winner, “I don’t think Ron Bergstrom will steer it in the right direction.”

Cakounes has a right to his opinion, and he obviously thought he was the best person for the job, given his campaign for re-election. At the same time, to suggest, as he did in another comment, that local county government will cease to exist within the next four years suggests either a sense of hubris or a total disdain for Bergstrom’s considerable experience, neither of which paints the former commissioner in a flattering light.

This is unfortunate on a number of levels. First, Cakounes had a solid record of responsible leadership during his time on the commission; his willingness to open the county’s records up to an audit helped uncover numerous questionable arrangements as well as opportunities for more prudent fiscal management of the county’s resources. His final words in that same position, however, taint that success.

A sour grapes approach to loss does not look good on anyone, and it sends a message of poor sportsmanship. As most of us know all too well, our democratic process can be a bruising one, which is why it is so important to honor the results. We do not have to offer our blind support to the person who defeated us, but there is little point in adopting a scorched-earth approach that leaves everyone feeling a little burned.

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